This week marks the 100th birthday of Mario Bava who was born on July 30th (according to leading Bava researcher Tim Lucas and author of the essential Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark) or 31st (if you want to believe IMDB.com and Wikipedia). The brilliant Italian director, cinematographer, special effects artist and screenwriter died in 1980 but today he’s fondly remembered by horror film enthusiasts as the Maestro of the Macabre. Bava has long been one of my favorite filmmakers so I couldn’t let this important anniversary pass without acknowledging his artistry.
Before Bava become interested in directing he studied painting and his passion for color and composition is plainly apparent in his filmmaking. The silver screen became Bava’s canvas where he was able to expertly blend shadows, music and light to create a tapestry of terror and a phantasmagoria of fear. With this in mind I thought I’d take the opportunity to share a gallery of images swiped from some of his best films. These celluloid frames showcase Bava’s artistry as well as his craftsmanship and observant readers will undoubtedly spot recurring color palletes and visual motifs, which became part of the director’s toolbox during his 40+ years behind the camera. If you appreciate Mario Bava’s talent I hope you’ll enjoy this little tribute and if you’re unfamiliar with his work I hope these images will encourage you to further explore the incredible filmography of Italy’s Maestro of the Macabre.
I VAMPIRI (1956)
BLACK SUNDAY (1960)
HERCULES IN THE HAUNTED WORLD (1961)
ERIK THE CONQUEROR (1961)
THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1963)
BLACK SABBATH (1963)
THE WHIP AND THE BODY (1963)
BLOOD AND BLACK LACE (1964)
PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965)
KILL, BABY, KILL (1966)
DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE GIRL BOMBS (1966)
DANGER: DIABOLIK (1968)
FIVE DOLLS FOR AN AUGUST MOON (1970)
HATCHET FOR A HONEYMOON (1970)
TWITCH OF THE DEATH NERVE (1971)
BARON BLOOD (1972)
FOUR TIMES THAT NIGHT (1972)
LISA AND THE DEVIL (1972)
RABID DOGS (1974)
SHOCK (1977)
Further reading:
- FANDOR – Keyframe Daily | Mario Bava @ 100
- Matrimony, Madness and Murder: HATCHET FOR THE HONEYMOON (1970)